Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Stash Busting, Pt 2

Yes, another pair of socks.  What can I say?  They're fast, they generally only use one skein of yarn, and I can give someone something useful when they're done.  Of course, since this pattern is called "Baby's First Sock" I mistakenly though I'd gift it to someone with a newborn.  Ha!  They fit my best friend's three year old.  The pattern is from Interweave Knits Accessories 2009 issue, which I love.  I've made five of the patterns in this issue, which is a lot for me.  This was the first pair of socks that I've made that, instead of using short rows to shape the heel, just had me bind off using the three needle bind off method.  It was certainly easier.  Here are the socks;


As you can see from the skein at the top of the photo, the pattern didn't use as much yarn as I'd hoped!  I think I have enough left to make another pair.  I finished the socks last night, and I also finished the yellow and blue bag I've been working on for about a week.  I love this material - it screamed 'summer!' at me from across the store - though there's no denying that it's bright. 

Which I, of course, played up with the teal and yellow contrasting fabric.  I thought that this time I'd take some pics of my process, and the bag as it was being made.  Here's a shot of the interior;

It doesn't look like much, but on the left side is a pocket, next to it is an elasticized pouch, them five spaces for DPN needles and another pocket.  I have to sew it all flat before I assemble the bag and it becomes this;

(Recognize the yarn? *g*).  Similarly, when I'm sewing spaces for longer needles I use actual needles to mark where I'm going to sew.


That way I can be sure that I have the appropriate fullness of material between the pins.  As you can see, I have a fondness for bamboo needles.  All of this work goes into creating the bag's interior.



But since it's 90-something out and there's no A/C in my sewing room I won't be doing any more sewing today!  I'm going to hang out on the couch in the living room in front of our window unit & read a book, instead.

- D

2 comments:

  1. Love the colors of the newest bag. I'm not sure I'd want to own it for my color-personality, but I can still appreciate its awesomeness and can totally see how someone will lurve it. I really like how you coordinated the accent colors.

    Socks are on my Gonna Try That Someday list.

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  2. Thanks :) Yeah, it's a bright, bold statement, and I think the bag would only be right for a certain personality. I enjoy figuring out how to place the accent colors creatively, especially since I'm usually limited by whatever odds and ends I have lying around.

    Socks aren't as intimidating as they appear :) I knitted for two years before trying them because they scared me, but once I knit my first pair I realized that they weren't bad at all! I recommend starting with baby or kid socks just because it's less to rip out if you mess up and it doesn't take as long. So if you realize you don't like knitting socks you're not stuck with a bigger project to finish.

    - D

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